Ahoy, mateys! Here begins a full week of buttons that pertain to ocean-related subjects. To get things going, I'm sharing my dual-purpose anchor button—made of creamed corn Bakelite and featuring a working compass! It's a rare thing indeed, the reality of a button that does more than just fasten clothing. Part trinket and part navigational tool, it's truly an exciting novelty item for collectors. Look at the smooth simplicity of the Bakelite design. The glass cap over the compass is tarnished, but the magnetized pointer functions correctly, which is pretty astounding in light of the fact that this button is approximately 85 years old. As a compass, it probably won't be coming with me on any seafaring voyages, but as a cheery piece of bright yellow Bakelite it definitely makes a big splash. Stay tuned for a nautical-themed week of some very unusual buttons.
-Sherbert McGee
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